The KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2027 is a postdoctoral fellowship for early-career researchers from around the world who want to develop independent research at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.
The fellowship supports researchers working on major global challenges in Water, Food, Health, Energy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Red Sea exploration.
For the 2027 call, KAUST is using a two-stage application process. The first stage requires a Concept Note, while applicants who receive support from a KAUST faculty member will be invited to submit a full research proposal. The Stage 1 deadline is 1 October 2026, while invited applicants can submit their full proposals from 15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027.
KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | KAUST Global Fellowship Program |
| Level | Postdoctoral research |
| Host | King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) |
| Location | Saudi Arabia |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Annual stipend | US$75,000 |
| Monthly stipend | US$6,250 |
| Research funding | Up to US$40,000 per year |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities |
| PhD requirement | PhD awarded after January 2023 for Call 2027 |
| Stage 1 deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Stage 2 | 15 November 2026 – 15 January 2027 |
| Application process | Two stages |
| Host PI at Stage 1 | Not required |
| Study mode | Full-time, on campus |
KAUST confirms that the fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
About the KAUST Global Fellowship
The KAUST Global Fellowship is designed for outstanding early-career researchers who want to move toward an independent research career.
Global Fellows are expected to develop and lead their own research projects rather than simply continue an existing project. KAUST provides access to research facilities, laboratories, equipment, faculty expertise and professional-development opportunities.
The programme is based at KAUST in Saudi Arabia and requires Fellows to live and work there full-time during the fellowship.
KAUST Global Fellowship Research Areas
For the 2027 call, proposed research must focus on at least one of KAUST’s six research missions:
- Water
- Food
- Health
- Energy
- Artificial Intelligence
- Red Sea
Research proposals must also align with one of KAUST’s academic divisions:
- Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering (BESE)
- Biomedical Sciences (BioMed)
- Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE)
- Physical Science and Engineering (PSE)
KAUST Global Fellowship Benefits
US$75,000 Annual Stipend
Global Fellows receive an annual living stipend of US$75,000, equivalent to US$6,250 per month.
The fellowship provides this stipend for the three-year fellowship period.
Up to US$40,000 Research Funding
Fellows receive a separate research allowance of up to US$40,000 per year.
This funding can support eligible research costs, including research travel, consumables and use of KAUST Core Labs.
Accommodation
The fellowship package includes on-campus accommodation, helping Fellows focus on their research while living at KAUST.
Medical Insurance
Global Fellows receive medical insurance as part of the fellowship benefits.
Relocation Support
The fellowship provides a relocation allowance for eligible Fellows moving to KAUST.
The current application guidelines specify a flat relocation allowance of US$3,000. Travel tickets are booked and covered directly by the university.
Annual Travel Assistance
Global Fellows and eligible dependents receive an annual travel allowance as part of the fellowship benefits.
Family Benefits
Fellows can bring eligible dependents, including a spouse and children.
Families living on campus can access the KAUST School free for up to three children, while daycare support is available for children under four. Eligible family members also receive medical insurance.
Professional Development
KAUST provides Global Fellows with professional-development opportunities, including mentoring, teaching and leadership programmes.
Examples include the KAUST Postdoc Mentoring Program, Harvard Higher Education Teaching Certificate and selected leadership programmes.
Who Can Apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities.
For Call 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have received their PhD after January 2023.
- Applicants who have not yet received their PhD must expect to complete it before the fellowship begins.
- Be prepared to move to KAUST in Saudi Arabia.
- Be willing to undertake a three-year research project.
- Identify suitable KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed project.
- Propose research connected to one or more of KAUST’s research missions.
KAUST encourages applications from women to promote greater gender balance in science and engineering.
Can Applicants Who Have Not Finished Their PhD Apply?
Yes.
Applicants who have not yet been awarded their PhD can apply if they expect to complete the degree before the start of the fellowship.
For Call 2027, applicants who already hold a PhD must have received it after January 2023.
Career Breaks
KAUST can consider certain justified career breaks when applying the four-year PhD eligibility rule.
The programme specifically states that parental leave or military/civil service may be considered when determining eligibility.
Voluntary career breaks that are not covered by these provisions do not qualify for an exception.
Do You Need a KAUST Host Professor?
A confirmed host is not required when submitting the Stage 1 Concept Note.
Applicants must identify potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with their proposed work.
KAUST’s current application guidance says applicants can identify up to two potential KAUST faculty members at Stage 1. Those faculty members review the Concept Note and decide whether to support the application.
Only applications that receive faculty support progress to the full-proposal stage.
If an applicant has already secured a host or is affiliated with KAUST, the application instructions state that they should list only that faculty member.
KAUST Global Fellowship Application Process
The 2027 call has two stages.
Stage 1: Concept Note
The first stage runs from:
1 September to 1 October 2026
Applicants submit a Concept Note explaining their proposed research.
At this stage, applicants do not need a Host PI support letter.
However, they must identify potential KAUST faculty members whose research aligns with the proposed project.
Stage 2: Full Research Proposal
Applicants who receive support from a KAUST faculty member are invited to submit a full research proposal.
The Stage 2 application period is:
15 November 2026 to 15 January 2027
Only applicants invited to this stage can submit the full proposal.
Documents Required for Stage 1
KAUST currently requires applicants to submit the following:
- Current CV with full publication list, maximum four pages
- Up to two selected publications
- Concept Note using the official template
- Two reference letters
Applications must be prepared in English and submitted through the online application system.
Applicants should download the official Call 2027 templates and application guidelines before preparing their documents.
What Should the Research Proposal Focus On?
The proposed project must address one or more of KAUST’s research missions:
Water, Food, Health, Energy, AI or the Red Sea.
The project should be designed as a three-year research project and must demonstrate novelty and innovation beyond the applicant’s PhD research or current project.
KAUST also states that a proposal should not simply reproduce research already being conducted in the proposed Host PI’s laboratory.
KAUST Global Fellowship Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Research excellence
- Innovation
- Feasibility
- Alignment with KAUST’s research priorities
The programme is merit-based, and faculty support is required for an application to move from the Concept Note stage to the full proposal stage.
How to Apply for the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027
To apply:
- Check that you meet the PhD and research requirements.
- Choose a research topic that fits one or more KAUST research missions.
- Identify suitable KAUST faculty members.
- Prepare your Concept Note using the official Call 2027 template.
- Prepare your CV and selected publications.
- Arrange two reference letters.
- Submit your Stage 1 application before 1 October 2026 at https://kgfp.kaust.edu.sa/
- If selected for Stage 2, prepare and submit the full research proposal between 15 November 2026 and 15 January 2027.
Official KAUST Global Fellowship website: KAUST Global Fellowship Program
Official application instructions: KAUST How to Apply
Important Dates for KAUST Global Fellowship 2027
| Application stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call 2027 opens | 1 September 2026 |
| Stage 1 Concept Note | 1 September – 1 October 2026 |
| Stage 1 deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Stage 2 invitation | After faculty review |
| Stage 2 Full Proposal | 15 November 2026 – 15 January 2027 |
| Final Stage 2 deadline | 15 January 2027 |
These dates are from the current KAUST Global Fellowship Call 2027 application guidance.
Can Applicants from Nigeria Apply?
Yes. The KAUST Global Fellowship is open to all nationalities, so Nigerian researchers can apply if they meet the academic, research and other eligibility requirements.
Successful applicants must also satisfy the requirements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain the necessary residency status.
Can You Apply With Existing Funding?
KAUST states that applicants who already have a grant or funding from another institution can apply.
However, if selected, Global Fellows must work full-time on their KAUST fellowship project and cannot maintain commitments to other institutions or funding agencies that conflict with the fellowship requirements.
Can the Fellowship Be Done Remotely?
No.
Global Fellows are expected to live and work at KAUST in Saudi Arabia on a full-time basis. The fellowship cannot be undertaken remotely or part-time, and Fellows cannot hold another primary employment during the fellowship.
How Long Is the KAUST Global Fellowship?
The fellowship lasts three years.
There is a formal evaluation at the end of the second year. KAUST states that the fellowship cannot be renewed or extended beyond the three-year fellowship term.
FAQs
What is the KAUST Global Fellowship?
It is a three-year postdoctoral fellowship at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia for early-career researchers developing independent research projects.
How much does the KAUST Global Fellowship pay?
Global Fellows receive US$75,000 per year, or US$6,250 per month, plus research funding and additional benefits.
How much research funding is available?
KAUST provides a separate research allowance of up to US$40,000 per year for eligible research expenses.
What is the KAUST Global Fellowship 2027 deadline?
The Stage 1 Concept Note deadline is 1 October 2026. Applicants invited to Stage 2 can submit their full research proposals from 15 November 2026 through 15 January 2027.
Do I need a KAUST professor before applying?
No. A confirmed Host PI is not required at Stage 1. You must identify potential KAUST faculty members whose research matches your proposed project. Faculty support is required before an applicant can proceed to Stage 2.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Applicants of all nationalities are eligible to apply, provided they meet the fellowship requirements.
Can I apply if my PhD is not yet completed?
Yes, provided you expect to complete your PhD before the fellowship begins. For applicants who already have their PhD, the Call 2027 requirement is that the degree was awarded after January 2023.
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